Bacterial Diversity, Antibiogram and Nutritional Assessment of Cowhide (Ponmo) in Ilishan-Remo Central Market, Nigeria

The demand for cowhide (ponmo) is currently very high, particularly in Nigeria, due to rising commodity prices, including animal proteins, which has forced a larger percentage of the population who cannot afford meat, chicken, turkey or eggs to rely on other meat products such as "ponmo," "kundi," and "tinko" as an alternative source of protein. This research aims to identify microorganisms associated with ponmo, determine the antibiogram of the isolates, and assess the nutritional value of ponmo marketed in Ilishan-Remo central market. Six ponmo vendors were sampled for Dry White Ponmo (DWP), Wet White Ponmo (WWP), Wet Brown Ponmo (WBP) and Brown Ponmo Water (BPW) and transported in sterile containers to the Laboratory for analysis to determine the microbial load, sensitivity, and proximate analysis using standardized methods. For microbiological analysis, samples were tested in triplicate. All samples analyzed had a high microbial load count (from 1.1 x 106 to 1.4 x 107). The organisms isolated were Escherichia coli (34.21%), Staphylococcus aureus (26.31%), Klebsiella spp. (18.42%), Pseudomonas spp. (13.15%) and Coagulase-negative staphylococci (7.89%). All the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Septrin had the highest resistivity (86.84%) while gentamicin had the lowest resistance (7.89%). Pefloxacin sensitivity was observed in 37 of the 38 isolates (97.37% sensitivity). Ciprofloxacin and gentamicin came second and third (84.2% and 73.68% sensitivity) respectively. According to the proximate analysis, the WWP has more protein, fat, and fiber, whereas the WBP has more moisture. Food handlers should follow Good Hygiene Practices and take a Food Handlers Test regularly.